DHSS Press Release |
Date: May 19, 2008 DHSS-50-2008 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RESIDENTS OF PICKERING BEACH AND KITTS HUMMOCK SHOULD BOIL DRINKING WATER
Residents served by the Pickering Beach Water District and the Kitts Hummock Water District should boil their water before drinking, food preparation, making ice, brushing teeth and washing dishes. Tests performed by Delaware's Division of Public Health on May 13 identified presence of total coliform and E. Coli bacteria. Approximately 109 households are affected in Pickering Beach and 252 households are affected in Kitts Hummock.
Residents in the these areas should bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.
Possible cause for this bacterium is the flooding from the May 11th Northeaster storm. Bacterial contamination can occur when floodwaters enter a drinking water source. It can also happen due to a break in the distribution system (pipes) or a failure in the water treatment process.
E. coli and coliform bacteria present in water samples indicate that the water may be contaminated with human or animal waste. Microbes in this waste can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly and people with severely compromised immune systems.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you may want to seek medical advice. People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.
For more information about the Pickering Beach area, please contact Nancy Lawson at (302) 734-5071 or Kevin Cottman at (302) 741-8582 or the Office of Drinking Water at (302) 739-5410.
For more information about the Kitts Hummock area, please contact Richard Rogers at (302) 674-0676 or Jim Richardson at (302) 741-8630 or the Office of Drinking Water at 302-739-5410. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1(800) 426-4791.
Prime Hook, Fisherman's Village at Bower's Beach and Slaughter Beach are absent of Total Coli form bacteria.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
